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Rich Ditalini Pasta With Cheese Sauce

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A creamy, comforting homemade ditalini pasta with a rich cheese sauce that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) ditalini pasta
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably European-style)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms, pale golden in color. Do not brown.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of warmed whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually add 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted and fully combined. The sauce should be thick but pourable. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained ditalini pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece. Cook together for another 2 minutes on low heat so the pasta absorbs some sauce.
  7. Spoon the creamy ditalini pasta into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid grainy sauce. Stir gently and do not rush the roux step. For gluten-free, substitute flour and pasta accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: ditalini pasta, cheese sauce, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, homemade cheese sauce, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/rich-ditalini-pasta-with-cheese-sauce-easy-homemade-recipe-for-creamy-comfort/